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Flag this message AP Report - FAA/Effect of wind turbines on radar coverage - a response from Air Traffic Controller at "Cape Approach"

coolwind

In this article, the FAA was attempting to address concerns shared by local air traffic controllers about radar coverage degradation. Local air traffic controllers need only point to the 3 industrial turbines in Falmouth AND the 3 industrial turbines at the Mass Military Reservation (MMR) that exhibit the same anticipated negative impact on radar coverage quality. At the FAA radar facility known as "Cape Approach" there has been a 2 year 'trouble-call' log denoting controller reported radar anomalies. A correlation of evidence, by this log, exists between a higher volume of 'trouble call' incident reports and the operation of the 6 big on-shore wind turbines (3 of which are located in Falmouth).
The clutter, false targets and blind spots make it extremely difficult for the air traffic controller to SAFELY do their job. If this is the condition with only 6 industrial size turbines, the effect undeniably be worse with 130! If further proof that the CapeWind and on-shore turbine sites too close to air traffic/military radar installations is necessary, simply google what has happened in Europe.
The documents referenced in the article also indicate SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAINTY whether the recently completed radar modification (Jan 2012) would be sufficient to mitigate the radar coverage problems. To date, speaking with my 'first hand knowledge and experience', the modification has NOT met acceptable safety risk levels.
In summary, this continuing on-shore wind farm (Falmouth and MMR) radar disruption, as well as the potential for a vastly increased negative effect (Capewind) unquestionably heightens aviation safety risk, which, no matter how it spins, has significant bearing on the public's health and welfare.
I am a Falmouth MA Resident & Air Traffic Controller at "Cape Approach"

Flag this message AP Report - FAA/Effect of wind turbines on radar coverage - a response from Air Traffic Controller at "Cape Approach"

coolwind

In this article, the FAA was attempting to address concerns shared by local air traffic controllers about radar coverage degradation. Local air traffic controllers need only point to the 3 industrial turbines in Falmouth AND the 3 industrial turbines at the Mass Military Reservation (MMR) that exhibit the same anticipated negative impact on radar coverage quality. At the FAA radar facility known as "Cape Approach" there has been a 2 year 'trouble-call' log denoting controller reported radar anomalies. A correlation of evidence, by this log, exists between a higher volume of 'trouble call' incident reports and the operation of the 6 big on-shore wind turbines (3 of which are located in Falmouth).
The clutter, false targets and blind spots make it extremely difficult for the air traffic controller to SAFELY do their job. If this is the condition with only 6 industrial size turbines, the effect undeniably be worse with 130! If further proof that the CapeWind and on-shore turbine sites too close to air traffic/military radar installations is necessary, simply google what has happened in Europe.
The documents referenced in the article also indicate SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAINTY whether the recently completed radar modification (Jan 2012) would be sufficient to mitigate the radar coverage problems. To date, speaking with my 'first hand knowledge and experience', the modification has NOT met acceptable safety risk levels.
In summary, this continuing on-shore wind farm (Falmouth and MMR) radar disruption, as well as the potential for a vastly increased negative effect (Capewind) unquestionably heightens aviation safety risk, which, no matter how it spins, has significant bearing on the public's health and welfare.
I am a Falmouth MA Resident & Air Traffic Controller at "Cape Approach"